ETT stands for Evacuated Tube Transport. ETT is the fastest and most efficient way to travel. It uses well known methods, parts, and technologies. The patented system works by eliminating virtually all friction normally associated with travel. Three basic embodiments range from: low tech low speed systems for local use at speeds below 200 mph; to high tech systems for continental and intercontinental transport up to 4,000 mph or more. For greater detail see technology section.

Who can use ETT?

Just like trains, initial ETT use will be for cargo, and along high use routes of travel.

Once proven, construction will rapidly spread. Since the system is efficient in energy and materials use, high-speed travel will be low cost, and sustainable. Eventually, everyone in the world may use the system.

Who’s going to operate ETT?

For fiscal operation, both corporate and public operation is encouraged by the non-exclusive, low cost licensing plan. The license promotes both cooperation and competition.

Physical operation of the system is by automated computer control. The only input and skills required are the ability to chose and enter a destination.

When can I use ETT?

In the year 1900 less than one percent of the population had seen an automobile. By 1935 ninety nine percent of horse and buggy travel had been replaced by automotive means. People are less resistant to change than they where a hundred years ago. Now people demand change, when clear benefits are perceived. If you, and those you know, support the ETT system, (even if it is just telling others about it), we could all enjoy low cost world travel in less than 10 years.

How much will it cost to ride?

The energy and material use is very low, and the durability of the components is great; so the initial, and operating cost will be much less than current methods of travel (the rate can be less than a penny per passenger mile). Some licensees believe that cost will be so low that advertising could pay for most travel, just like it pays for TV, or free Internet. Depending on who you are, advertisers may actually pay you to travel while watching their presentation! The cost will depend on many factors such as the design speed, the topography, and the demand.

Construction:

Who is going to build it?

Those who license the technology and collaborate with one another will build ETT systems. The philosophy is an open system (like Linux), with chaordic rules (like VISA credit card service) where improvements are made by many collaborators working to achieve mutual benefits, but the collaborators have a mechanism for getting paid to the extent of their contribution. People who now work in almost any field will build components, or provide services that make the ETT system possible. Even though most do not realize it, everyone has underutilized, unique skills or assets that could be used to help manifest the ETT system. All the skills, production capacity, materials, and labor force required to build the system exist right now. By purchasing a life-time ETT license for just a hundred bucks, anyone can competitively propose and bid on ETT related work. Since one out of five dollars spent are spent on transportation, there is a tremendous market available for your latent skills or assets. The licensee web site at www.et3.net will be the market place for skills and assets relating to ETT projects.

When will a prototype be built?

Prototypes, or production components for all of the individual systems used by ETT exist right now. These components / facilities / materials etc. will be virtually assembled into an ETT system over the Internet. As the real components are assembled virtually, plans and alliances are formed for actual construction. A Licensee acts according to the following outline to add the parts they can supply:

1) Look over the ETT tech files and determine the classification for your skills, component, material, asset, or service. (If a classification does not exist, propose one)

2) Post your licensee information and what you offer / need; along with delivery lead times and prices, in the appropriate classifications.

3) Look for projects you have an interest in, submit offers / or express needs.

4) Contact Licensees who offer what you need or need what you offer; to cooperate on assemblies, and work out standards etc.

5) When all required classifications are represented by licensees, bid winners start to work.

Initially it is likely that a small demo system will be built first.

Where will the first one be built?

Economics and politics will come into play to determine the optimal location for the first systems. Attractive routes will be between major cities, over unpopulated flat, dry terrain, below the latitudes where the ground freezes. (India and China are the most promising places for initial system implementation).

What is the tube made out of?

The tubes can be made of any durable substance that is capable of holding a vacuum. Every route will have special requirements according to local conditions and economics. Some possible materials include but are not limited to: Sealed concrete, glazed ceramic, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and plastics.

How much will it cost?

Since primitive man first made a dugout canoe, the demand for transportation improvements has increased. Transportation expenditures are around 14% of the world economy. The rate of growth of transportation is double the rate of growth of the world economy. In developed countries it has grown to 20% or one trillion dollars per year in the USA. Experts have estimated that the costs of ETT transport will be much less than current systems. The right-of-way requirements are around 5% of an interstate freeway. The materials use for spans will less than one tenth. The parts will have a much greater life, further reducing costs. A detailed analysis prepaired in 2003 calculated the cost of a 350mph system to be about $2million / mile.

Will the tube be under ground or above ground?

Both underground and above ground systems will be built, according to local conditions and economic requirements.

How many people fit in a capsule?

Capsules 2 feet in diameter and 8 feet long could be used for one person lying down. Capsules could be made big enough to accommodate a bus. Economics will dictate capsule size, and our research shows that the best capsule size has already been proven by the most successful vehicle in the world - the automobile. The average car carries 4-6 passengers, or 800 to 900 pounds of payload. A 51" (1.3m) diameter capsule 16 feet long could accommodate 6 persons. This is estimated to be the best compromise between utility and cost.

How big are the tubes?

Tubes less than a foot in diameter would have use for mail and small packages. Tubes 20 feet in diameter could accommodate a bus. It is estimated that a 5 foot (1.5m) diameter tube could accommodate almost all transport needs.

Isn’t mail or package transport a good place to start?

Yes, the cost and liability would be very low, and life support not needed. Lessons learned would benefit large scale use.

Will the government be involved?

Yes, Large-scale projects will at a minimum need government cooperation. We the people are the government. In free countries, demands of the people will insure full government cooperation. Wouldn’t you vote for a candidate who openly supports ETT? International systems will need the sanction of the governments involved. It is anticipated that the first systems in the US will be built with private investment, as there are almost no instances where the government has funded revolutionary transportation innovation.

Physiological effects:

Can people handle the forces of going that fast?

Just going fast does not affect the human body. Astronauts in orbit travel faster than 20,000 MPH. The human body can tolerate 8g of acceleration or more for short periods of time. Top fuel dragsters are capable of about 4g acceleration. Many roller coasters produce 3g of acceleration. Most cars produce almost 1g under maximum braking. If acceleration is limited to 1g, most people will not experience any discomfort. The time to travel estimates assume a maximum of 1g of force, and a top speed of 4,000 MPH .

How can people breathe?

Life-support apparatus is a well developed field. Space stations in orbit allow astronauts to breathe for several months, even though the capsule is in a near vacuum. Submarines have been around for over a hundred years, modern subs can stay submerged for more than a month. The systems used in Evacuated Tube Transport will be much less demanding. Only 2-3 hours (plus reserves) of life-support is needed.

Won’t people feel claustrophobia?

Some people are unreasonably afraid of enclosed spaces. The amount of room per passenger exceeds that of airplanes and luxury automobiles. Reclined seating and “virtual window” displays allow the simulation of whatever environment the rider prefers; or TV, movies, video games, etc. may be displayed to provide distraction from negative thoughts.

What if someone gets sick?

Since ETT will be the fastest method of travel, it will be the preferred way to transport persons for medical reasons. Terminals will be equipped with EMT facilities and personal. A button may be pushed if a person is in distress from sudden illness. Heart sensors also signal a medical emergency. The signal causes the capsule to be diverted to the nearest EMT facility. In case of a false alarm, the person indicating the false alarm could be charged a fine to discourage misuse.

Safety:

What happens if you stop in the tube?

Emergency escape hatches are places every mile or so along the tube. In the rare event of stoppage in the tube, the capsules will be directed to the nearest escape hatch.

What if the brakes fail?

The braking system is automatic. It does not rely on human control. The parts are subject to continuous automatic inspection and replaced before unacceptable wear occurs. Multiple redundant backup braking is activated if any failure occurs in the primary braking system. Compared with automobiles, trains and airplanes, failure of ETT braking systems are unlikely.

What about terrorists?

Although rare, acts of terrorism occur. Airplanes, boats, and cars are favored targets because the terrorist can use the vehicle to escape detection, and elude apprehension. Statistically, the death rate due to terrorism is much lower than deaths caused by operator error, weather, and mechanical failures. High security, surveillance, and swift apprehension of suspects reduce losses due to terrorism. Much tighter security is possible with the ETT system than is possible with aircraft, boats, or automobile.

Competition:

Will the oil companies resist ETT?

ETT system construction will require large amounts of plastics. If demand for transportation fuel is reduced, oil companies could modify existing refineries to manufacture plastics at much lower cost, while maintaining profits. Low cost plastic building products will replace the use of wood in building construction. Oil companies realize that oil reserves are limited. When ETT becomes the transportation system of choice; valuable oil resources can be used and recycled for many years instead of being converted into smog by cars. This will have a very beneficial effect on the environment. Oil companies will be seen as protectors of the forests, instead of contributors to pollution. It will also extend the amount of time oil companies may profit from known oil reserves.

What are you going to do about the out of work truckers?

One thing in life is certain, that is all things change. Some embrace change others resist. For instance some people still farm with horse and wagon. Some people learn new skills as quick as possible. They are able to capitalize on the fact that many resist inevitable change.

Will the aircraft and car manufactures try to stop ETT?

Perhaps some will, most will realize that they are in the transportation business, and use under-used production facilities to manufacture ETT components. Much like in the early 1900’s when Fisher (coach works) switched to building automobile bodies as buggy demand declined. Other companies were not so wise.

Company operations:

Are you going to sell stock?

The company is not selling stock to the public. The company is using stock to compensate its licensees who perform needed functions for startup and continuing operations. The compensatory shares are restricted and may not be sold or transferred to the public. Any sale of stock (if any) will be private placement to licensees of et3.com Inc. who meet the Accredited Investor qualifications defined by the SEC.

When are you going public?

A public offering of stock is expensive. Often the extra overhead and reporting hampers the ability of the company to perform its core functions. A core philosophy if the company is the minimization of unproductive overhead to keep license cost as low as possible. The company et3.com Inc. will go public only if it is a key to fulfilling its mission.

Does et3.com have any employment openings?

No, et3.com has no employees. Licensees handle all functions normally allocated to employees as jobs. Licensees competitively bid their services for compensatory shares in the company.

There are many opportunities for Licensees to use their skills or assets to perform ETT related work leading to mutual rewards. A licensee may submit a proposal for work, services, or asset utilization to et3@et3.com. The proposals and bids are reviewed, ranked and awarded according to demand and merit.

How can a Licensee profit?

There are three basic ways an et3.com Licensee makes money:

1) Use the technology to build all or part of an ETT system, profiting from the construction, or sharing in the revenues generated by operating a completed system.

2) Contribute intellectual property (IP) relating to ETT, to the et3.com technology pool, and share in royalty income generated by Licensees engaging in ETT projects, as that IP is used.

3) Perform services for et3.com Inc. in exchange for stock; thus sharing in any royalty income allocated to shareholders, and the shares may gain in value with successful ETT implementations.

How is a License acquired?

1) Read and understand all terms of the et3.com License Agreement.

2) Fill out the license application form, agreeing to all terms by printing, signing, and sending in the form and other required documents.

3) Pay the one time license fee of $100.

4) Receive Grant of License posted on the website on acceptance. (the fee will be returned if license application is rejected). License applications will only be refused if the applicant fails to meet the qualifications, or fails to follow instructions.